Year in Review 2018: Montessori School embraces change in 2018
January 8, 2019

“Continuity gives us r oots, change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights.”

– Pauline Kezer

The Montessori School of Lake Forest established itself as a leader in Montessori education more than 50 years ago, and maintains a leadership position today, holding steadfastly to the core principles that develop strong, independent, resilient, respectful, world thinkers, leaders and problem solvers who will define the future for themselves. This continuity in mission, purpose and focus – to instill in every child a life-long love of learning – has stood the test of time and lightning fast changes in the world, because at its core, it is based on the observation of each child as an individual, speaking to their motivation, interest, and curiosity.

While the Montessori approach remains relatively unchanged, it is rooted in a foundation that allows students, teachers and leaders to adapt to changes in the world around them and persevere through obstacles. It embraces the unique and distinct characteristics of each and every child in order to facilitate the educational journey and milestones.  The world may change, but observing the child and supporting their development within these changing dynamics does not.

Change is not only inevitable, it is critical to ensure ongoing growth and success across all aspects of society and human development. In a year of change at MSLF, the traits on which students and alumni pride themselves, resilience, adaptability, creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and consistency, are the same ones that teachers, administrators and leaders at MSLF are using to navigate these changes. Times of challenge are also times of great opportunity, and as the school opens on a new chapter, it does so with confidence, optimism and excitement for what the future holds for the students.  The promise made to children and families at MSLF remains unchanged: to provide the highest quality education and preparation for the next phase of development and ultimately for life.

Montessori children are better prepared for life, and at the core of this trait is the root of Montessori education – developing children who are able to think for themselves, manage change and adversity, and have a resilience built in through the work of learning.

Nan Barrett
Acting Executive Director
Montessori School of Lake Forest

MSLF Retirement Announcement

January 29, 2025
Dear MSLF Community, After over 20 years of teaching Lower Elementary students at MSLF, Kathryn Jasinski has shared her plans to retire from teaching at the end of the current school year. There is no doubt about the impact Miss Jasinski has had on our school community during her long tenure here. Kathryn has been well known for her dedication to her students, to developing the whole child, and for her passion for Montessori education, always staying true to the core tenets of Montessori philosophy. Her legacy at MSLF will certainly live on in each of the students who have been lucky enough to have been in her class and in the many words of wisdom she has shared with her fellow colleagues, past and present. No doubt each one of her current or former students who receives a note from her in the mail instantly recognizes her perfect cursive writing and the thoughtful note inside. Kathryn’s care of her students extends well beyond their time in her classroom as she has kept in touch with dozens of her former students and has even welcomed some back to work alongside her as assistants. She has been a mentor to many, imparting her years of expertise on all those who have had the privilege of working with her. While we are sad to see her go, we know that she will enjoy her well-earned retirement, and we look forward to celebrating Kathryn’s legacy more this year. MSLF is pleased to announce that Laura Earls will be the new Lower Elementary lead teacher for the 2025-26 school year. Laura has been co-teaching in our Upper Elementary classroom since the beginning of the current school year. Laura Earls joined the MSLF team from Higher Ground Education where she was Regional Program Lead, working to elevate program quality in all Guidepost Montessori schools across the Chicago area. It was during this work that she realized how much she missed working directly with children in the Montessori classroom and decided to return to teaching. Laura received her BA in art history from the University of Dallas and completed graduate work at the University of Notre Dame. Soon after, Laura shifted her career to education and earned her AMI Elementary Montessori Certification (6-12 years old) at the Montessori Institute of Milwaukee. She then taught in an Elementary classroom at Forest Bluff School, and her classroom was profiled in Paula Polk Lillard’s book, Montessori Today. After moving to Wisconsin to raise her three children, Laura received her AMI Primary Montessori Certification (3-6 years old) at the Midwest Montessori Institute. After that, she worked as a Primary Directress and Director of Admissions at a Montessori school in Wisconsin, as Head of School of Forest Bluff School, and as Senior Head of School at Guidepost Montessori. Laura has three grown children who all experienced Montessori education themselves and are thriving in college and beyond. Laura has lived and studied in both Paris and Rome and is an accomplished pianist. Laura is excited to make the transition to the Lower Elementary classroom and looks forward to working closely with current and new Lower Elementary families next year. She also looks forward to meeting families in the Lower Elementary classroom during the Open House on February 5. With Laura transitioning to the Lower Elementary classroom following the current school year, MSLF will be conducting a search for a new co-teacher to work alongside Debbie Lincoln in the Upper Elementary classroom for the 2025-26 school year. We are thankful to Laura for all the support she has offered the Upper Elementary community this year. Please join me in wishing Kathryn a peaceful and fulfilling retirement and in welcoming Laura to the Lower Elementary community. Sincerely, Hope Allegretti Head of School - Executive Director Montessori School of Lake Forest

Montessori Assessments at MSLF

By Teresa Pavelich • January 8, 2025
An overview of how Montessori schools assess student progress and development
Share by: